Australian captain
Ricky Ponting has all but declared himself a certain starter for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at the MCG and conceded he would be surprised if
Peter Siddle and
Nathan Hauritz do not join him in the XI.

A maiden five-wicket haul for paceman Peter Siddle saw Australia finish day three of the third Test on top despite the best efforts of Mark Boucher, who rescued South Africa's innings with a well-made 89.

Peter Siddle and Nathan Hauritz, Australia's two least experienced bowlers, justified the selectors' faith in them on Saturday when they wrecked South Africa's middle order to turn the second Test at the MCG on its head.